‘In that split second, perhaps the first sobering thoughts I have had in months become so obvious and apparent, and when that officer returns after having checked the cans and found cocaine I know that, from that moment, everything is going to change.’

‘Crazy’ Chris Lewis played in thirty-two Test Matches and fifty-three One-Day Internationals for England. At one point he was regarded as one of the best all-round cricketers the country has ever produced. However, feeling at odds with the middle-class nature of the sport, he regularly courted controversy off the field – and the tabloids happily lapped it up. His naming of England players involved in a match-fixing scandal led to his early retirement at the age of just 30. After this, he withdrew from the limelight until, in 2008, he was arrested for importing cocaine from the Caribbean and sentenced to thirteen years in prison.

From his arrival in England from Guyana with his parents, through his colourful cricketing career, his arrest and subsequent trial, his time in prison and how he finally put his life back together, here Lewis recounts his remarkable, redemptive story.

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Product description

About the Author

CHRIS LEWIS, former England cricketer, now spends his time coaching children at Harrow Town Cricket Club, playing cricket with Lashings, which takes his beloved sport to cricket clubs up and down the country, and sharing his amazing story. In An Evening with Chris Lewis , the audience get close and Chris throws it open to the floor, showing his willingness to engage with his past, and his hope of making a difference.

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Chris Lewis was one of the most talented cricketers of his generation - a gifted all-rounder, agile in the field, on his day he was a formidable opponent who could turn the outcome of any game with a flourish.

Sadly for him, and for English cricket in general, those days were nowhere near as frequent as they could and should have been. A series of injuries, coupled with intermittent disciplinary issues, helped to ensure that he failed to become the fixture in the national side that his talent may otherwise have warranted.

Lewis's revelations of a match-fixing scandal, leaked to a less-than-sympathetic tabloid, helped bring his career to an inglorious and premature termination. Attempts to revive it, some years later, at the onset of the T20 format to which he would have been ideally suited at his peak, proved to be a spectacular failure and served as a catalyst for the decline which reached its nadir in 2009 with the author's conviction for drug-smuggling.

This book provides an important step along the road to rebuilding Lewis's life and dispelling the demons that have clearly plagued him for much of his recent life. Despite the impression given by the title, he shows little sign of mental distress as he gives a clear and honest recollection of events.

There are a number of typographical errors which the publishers should have taken far greater care to eradicate - one example being the misspelling of the Bourda cricket ground in Georgetown, Guyana, Lewis regularly frequented this venue during his childhood and it was evidently a significant influence upon him.

Nevertheless, this is an important, engaging read which gives an important insight into the mind of a complex, often-misunderstood individual who played a key role in England's progress to a World Cup final and remains the last captain of Leicestershire to lift the County Championship trophy.

When you hear about well paid sportspeople, you feel it should be easy. Lewis's story from a tough upbringing to county cricketer to test cricketer. He is seen by some as somebody who did not reach is full potential. He did wrong but took his punishment and is trying to be a better man. Good luck

Always respected Chris Lewis as a cricketer, now I respect him as a man. No doubting his love of the game, he has been very honest with his professional weaknesses and his personal issues. I hope he able to continue rebuilding his life.

Interesting if a little self absorbed, which is understandable. He skirts over his Test career, not mentioning his part in the 94-95 tour. I always rated him as a player and hope the book does well. People have done less time for worse crimes.